Have you been to Elmwood Park Zoo? Can I confess? I hadn’t until my recent visit. My entire family has been but not me. How? I was at media events every time that they have gone. This recent visit in conjunction with Visit Valley Forge & Montco was absolutely amazing in every way. The zoo is family friendly but has amazing elements that adults will love too. Add this to your list of must goes.
Before you Go to Elmwood Park Zoo
I would highly suggest that you make a plan. If you are planning to bring your own lunch, pack it accordingly so it stays fresh. When we went last week it was a hot day. Take in consideration what the temperatures will be. Pack plenty of sunblock and bug spray. Also bring your water bottles with you. Hydration is key. Wear comfortable shoes. Although Elmwood is a smaller zoo there is a lot ot do. Protect your feet and stay comfortable.
If you are planning to purchase food consider being cashless. They even take Cash App and Venmo as payments to make it convenient. If you are taking younger kids under the age of 4, plan around nap time. I saw many parents come in as soon as it opened and leave by lunch time. Designate a meet up spot when you get there in case someone gets lost. Purchase tickets for encounters ahead of time. For instance at Elmwood Park Zoo you can ride the carousels, feed the giraffes, ride donkeys and more. So plan ahead of time. Lastly, the best ticket prices are online where you can save $5 off the already low price.
Elmwood Park Zoo Playground
There are many highlights to consider when coming to Elmwood Park Zoo. The kids loved so many parts that I will cover. The park is so nice. I loved the Rubber Playground surface. Anyone who knows me I am a real accident to happen and so are my littles. The way the kids flipped, ran, and enjoyed themselves was amazing. It was so nice that the kids went to the playground twice. It’s a great place for parents to watch their kids and know that they are safe. For instance there is only one way in and out. Hand sanitizer greets you as you walk in which is always great as well. There is plenty to do. Parents, on those hot or sunny days there is also plenty of shaded areas to watch the kids while they play.
Animals at Elmwood Park Zoo
I loved the animals here. For one there are some animals you don’t always see at other zoos. One of the highlights that I loved was seeing the Fruit Bats. The Fruit Bats and I have a love/hate relationship. I’ll get into that at another time. The kids of course clowned me the whole time. One of the other animals that we really loved amongst the others was the Red Panda. A lot of that has to do with the movie, “Turning Red.” We had to stop by twice because the Red Panda had his face turned from us. However one of the best, parts that is personal to my heart is the giraffes.
Giraffe Feedings at the Zoo
If you remember my trip to the Phoenix Zoo for my solo trip, you know how much I loved feeding the giraffes. So when the opportunity came for me to do this with the kids at Elmwood I was elated. Elmwood Park makes it easy. Either purchase your tickets ahead of time or once you get there. There will be a line. I highly suggest you get to the time you want at least 15 minutes prior to the start. When we got to the zoo the line was long but pack patience it does move. When decided to come back for the noon feeding. Staff will confirm your tickets, talk to you about how to feed them. They like the entire lettuce leaf. Make sure you place extra bags etc. to the side.
When I tell you the kids talked about the giraffes all the way home I really mean it. I keep looking over the videos and smiling. Such an amazing time. We were first so it was just a special moment for all of us.
Places to Eat at Elmwood Zoo
I really love how there is a lot to eat at Elmwood. For instance for my adults who love a good cocktail I was impressed. With the can cocktails they also make cocktails and more on the premises. I loved them.
Tosco’s Pizza
Tosco’s Pizza offered some amazing pizza selections. Not only can you get pizza by the slice but you can order whole pizzas to eat there or take home. Plenty of parents ordered their pizzas to go. Let me warn you about the pizza slices, they are big. My son eat like an adult. I ordered him 3 slices, and it was almost too much for him. That almost never happens anywhere I go. The chicken and fries, were impressive too. The kids barely finished them. I had the fries and funnel cake sticks. No one left hungry.
Twisted Cone and Oasis Beverage Bar
We visited this twice during our time. Before we even fed the giraffes we stopped since it was so hot. This was before we even ate lunch. They have a great selection of hard and soft icecream and water ice as well. I enjoyed the water ice and the kids got ice-cream. I had the Jamaica Me Punch (slushy) at the Oasis Beverage Bar. Again they have canned and made to order cocktails, beer, and wine.
Full Day of Fun
We got to Elmwood at about 10am. We left around 2:30pm. It was more than enough fun. To be honest, don’t tell the kids but I got myself some tickets to go back. I want to experience the Zoo on my own. Managing all of our personalities as parents know can be a lot. Elmwood Zoo was incredibly helpful. My youngest lost her water bottle. They helped us find it and just honestly was super warm and welcoming. If you love the zoo as much as I do, trust me Elmwood is your place to be. Small enough to keep tabs on your crew, but large enough to provide so much to do that you want to come back. So when you think about Montgomery County-think Elmwood Park Zoo.
A special thanks to Elmwood Park Zoo, Visit Valley Forge & Montco, and Bryan Buttler Media Relations for having us. Anyone see me at the Zoo in the coming week or so, just wave and say nothing to the kids-promise?
